Imperial China & 7 Cities & 3 Nights Yangtze Cruise
Seven cities, one great river — the definitive grand circuit of China with three nights afloat on the Yangtze
From
£2,470pp
About this tour
This is the grand tour of China — the itinerary for travellers who want to come home having genuinely seen the country, not just its capital. Over 18 nights you travel from imperial Beijing to the Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an, meet the giant pandas of Chengdu, board a Victoria Cruise Line ship for three nights on the Yangtze through the Three Gorges, drift down the Li River beneath the karst peaks of Guilin and Yangshuo, and finish among the lights of Shanghai. The journey is stitched together by China's remarkable high-speed rail network — Beijing to Xi'an, Xi'an to Chengdu, Chengdu to Chongqing and Yichang to Guilin — with a single internal flight from Guilin to Shanghai. The trains are fast, comfortable and a pleasure in themselves; the cruise gives you three nights without packing a suitcase; and private transfers link every station, pier and airport, so the logistics simply happen around you. Wei Zhang, our Beijing-based China specialist, has designed the route so that the demanding days — the Great Wall at Mutianyu, the Terracotta Warriors — come early, with the gentler river days and free time in Yangshuo and Shanghai following. It is a full itinerary, honestly described, and one of the most rewarding three weeks Asia can offer.
“Designed by Wei Zhang, our China specialist with 14 years of private guiding based in Beijing.”
Why this works for travellers over 50
- Seven cities and the Yangtze in one seamless route — no backtracking, no wasted days
- Three nights aboard a Victoria Cruise Line ship: unpack once and let China come to you
- High-speed rail between cities — spacious seats, scenery, and no airport queues for most legs
- Private transfers at every station and pier, with a porter service for the Li River leg
- Free days built into Beijing, Yangshuo and Shanghai so the pace never becomes relentless
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Price per person — based on two travelling together.
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Your journey
Day-by-day itinerary
1Welcome to Beijing
Beijing
Very lightNovotel Beijing Peace
Welcome to Beijing
Beijing
You arrive in Beijing and a private transfer takes you to the Novotel Beijing Peace, your home for the next three nights. The capital sets the scene for the grand journey ahead — rest well this evening.
2The Great Wall & the Forbidden City
Beijing / Mutianyu
ActiveNovotel Beijing Peace
The Great Wall & the Forbidden City
Beijing / Mutianyu
Today you visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, one of the finest and most scenic stretches of this ancient wonder, with a cable car to carry you up to the wall itself. Afterwards, you explore the vast Forbidden City, the imperial heart of China for nearly five centuries.
3A Day to Savour Beijing
Beijing
Free dayNovotel Beijing Peace
A Day to Savour Beijing
Beijing
A further day in Beijing to take in the city at your own pace before your onward journey begins tomorrow. The Temple of Heaven, the hutong lanes and the lakes of Shichahai are all easily reached, and your guide can help arrange whatever appeals.
4Speeding South to Xi'an
Beijing → Xi'an
Travel dayXi'an Eastern House Boutique Hotel
Speeding South to Xi'an
Beijing → Xi'an
This morning you board a high-speed G-class train for the approximately 4.5-hour journey to Xi'an, ancient capital of China. On arrival you check in to the Xi'an Eastern House Boutique Hotel for two nights.
5Warriors & Ancient Walls
Xi'an
ModerateXi'an Eastern House Boutique Hotel
Warriors & Ancient Walls
Xi'an
Today you come face to face with the legendary Terracotta Warriors, the extraordinary army buried with China's first emperor. You also walk or cycle along the Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in all of China.
6On to Chengdu, City of Pandas
Xi'an → Chengdu
Travel day plus free afternoonDorsett Chengdu
On to Chengdu, City of Pandas
Xi'an → Chengdu
A high-speed D-class train carries you west to Chengdu in approximately 3.5 hours. After checking in to the Dorsett Chengdu, the rest of the afternoon is yours to settle into this famously relaxed city.
7Morning with the Giant Pandas
Chengdu
Active morning on gentle park slopes, free afternoonDorsett Chengdu
Morning with the Giant Pandas
Chengdu
This morning you visit the Chengdu panda base for a half-day tour, getting wonderfully close to China's most beloved animals in their conservation habitat. The afternoon is free to enjoy Chengdu at leisure — a teahouse in People's Park is the classic way to spend it.
8Chongqing & the Riverside Stilts
Chengdu → Chongqing
Short travel day with an easy evening walkGlenview ITC Plaza Chongqing
Chongqing & the Riverside Stilts
Chengdu → Chongqing
A swift G-class high-speed train of roughly 1.5 hours brings you to the dramatic hillside metropolis of Chongqing, where you check in to the five-star Glenview ITC Plaza. This evening you explore the iconic Hongyadong Stilt Houses and the lively Jiefangbei Square — Chongqing after dark, lit up above the river, is a spectacle in itself.
9Setting Sail on the Yangtze
Yangtze River Cruise
GentleVictoria Cruise Line ship — river-view cabin
Setting Sail on the Yangtze
Yangtze River Cruise
A private transfer takes you to the pier to board your Victoria Cruise Line ship, and you are soon gliding downstream through some of China's most spectacular river scenery as the cruise heads for the majestic Three Gorges, the dramatic gorge walls rising on either side.
10Gorges, Pagodas & Hidden Streams
Yangtze River Cruise
GentleVictoria Cruise Line ship — river-view cabin
Gorges, Pagodas & Hidden Streams
Yangtze River Cruise
Another full day on the river brings highlights including the remarkable Shibaozhai Pagoda, perched on a great rock above the water, and the serene Shennv Stream drifting excursion through a narrow tributary gorge aboard a smaller boat.
11The Three Gorges Dam
Yangtze River Cruise
GentleVictoria Cruise Line ship — river-view cabin
The Three Gorges Dam
Yangtze River Cruise
Today you visit the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric structure, before the cruise continues its downstream journey towards Yichang. A final evening aboard as the river broadens below the dam.
12Disembarking at Yichang
Yichang
Very gentleCrowne Plaza Yichang
Disembarking at Yichang
Yichang
The cruise disembarks this morning at Yichang, and a private vehicle transfer takes you to the Crowne Plaza Yichang. In the afternoon you enjoy a leisurely walk through Riverside Park, watching life along the banks of the Yangtze from dry land for a change.
13Onward to Guilin
Yichang → Guilin
The longest travel day of the tourBravo Hotel Guilin
Onward to Guilin
Yichang → Guilin
Today you travel by high-speed G-class train via Wuhan, arriving in the beautiful karst landscape city of Guilin in approximately six hours. You check in to the Bravo Hotel Guilin for the night, with time to see Elephant Trunk Hill, the city's famous riverside landmark.
14Drifting Down the Li River to Yangshuo
Guilin → Yangshuo
GentleAroma Lily Hotel Yangshuo
Drifting Down the Li River to Yangshuo
Guilin → Yangshuo
This morning you board a premium sightseeing boat for the iconic approximately four-hour Li River cruise, arriving in the enchanting town of Yangshuo with your luggage whisked ahead by a dedicated porter service. You check in to the Aroma Lily Hotel Yangshuo for two nights.
15Light Shows & River Rafting
Yangshuo
GentleAroma Lily Hotel Yangshuo
Light Shows & River Rafting
Yangshuo
A full day to enjoy Yangshuo's breathtaking countryside, with the gentle Yulong River rafting experience among the karst peaks. This evening, the spectacular Impression Sanjie Liu outdoor light show, staged on the river itself, brings the day to a dazzling close.
16Flying North to Shanghai
Guilin → Shanghai
Travel dayCentral Hotel Shanghai
Flying North to Shanghai
Guilin → Shanghai
A private vehicle transfer returns you to Guilin Airport, where you board a direct domestic flight to Shanghai. On arrival you check in to the Central Hotel Shanghai for three nights in China's most cosmopolitan city.
17Flavours & Gardens of Old Shanghai
Shanghai
ModerateCentral Hotel Shanghai
Flavours & Gardens of Old Shanghai
Shanghai
Today you enjoy a three-hour local food tasting tour through Shanghai's streets, sampling the city's celebrated cuisine, followed by a visit to the classical Yu Garden, a tranquil Ming-dynasty retreat in the heart of the old town.
18A Final Day in Shanghai
Shanghai
Free dayCentral Hotel Shanghai
A Final Day in Shanghai
Shanghai
Your last full day in Shanghai is free to enjoy the city at your own pace — a stroll along the Bund, the plane-tree avenues of the former French Concession, or simply a final unhurried Chinese lunch.
19Farewell to China
Shanghai
Departure day
Farewell to China
Shanghai
Your China adventure draws to a close today as you depart Shanghai, carrying memories of ancient wonders, mighty rivers and warm hospitality. Private transfer to the airport for your flight home to London.
Like what you see?
Our specialists can tailor every day to your preferences.
Fitness & mobility
Pacing & accessibility
A grand circuit with regular hotel moves, balanced by three unpacked nights on the Yangtze and free days in Beijing, Yangshuo and Shanghai. The Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors are the most demanding days.
Accommodation
Your hotels
Novotel Beijing Peace
★★★★Beijing, China · 3 nights
A reliable four-star hotel in the Wangfujing district, within walking distance of the Forbidden City and Beijing's best-known shopping street.
- Wangfujing location near the Forbidden City
- Comfortable, well-run four-star base
- Easy access to the metro and old city
Xi'an Eastern House Boutique Hotel
★★★★Xi'an, China · 2 nights
A stylish boutique hotel in central Xi'an, blending contemporary comfort with touches of the city's Tang-dynasty heritage.
- Boutique character and modern rooms
- Central position for the city walls
- Convenient for the Muslim Quarter
Dorsett Chengdu
★★★★Chengdu, China · 2 nights
A polished four-star hotel in central Chengdu with spacious rooms and easy access to People's Park and the city's famous teahouses.
- Central Chengdu location
- Spacious contemporary rooms
- Near People's Park teahouses
Glenview ITC Plaza Chongqing
★★★★★Chongqing, China · 1 night
A five-star tower hotel in the heart of Chongqing, moments from Jiefangbei Square and the illuminated Hongyadong Stilt Houses.
- Five-star comfort in the city centre
- Walking distance to Hongyadong
- River and skyline views
Victoria Cruise Line ship
★★★★★Yangtze River (Chongqing → Yichang) · 3 nights
Victoria Cruise Line operates the leading American-managed fleet on the Yangtze. Every cabin has a river view, meals are served on board, and daily shore excursions explore the Three Gorges.
- River-view cabin with private facilities
- Full board while cruising
- Observation deck through the Three Gorges
Crowne Plaza Yichang
★★★★Yichang, China · 1 night
A dependable international four-star hotel beside the Yangtze in Yichang, well placed for the riverside parks and the onward rail journey.
- Riverside setting
- International four-star standards
- Convenient for Yichang East station
Bravo Hotel Guilin
★★★★Guilin, China · 1 night
A long-established four-star hotel on the shore of Banyan Lake in central Guilin, a short stroll from Elephant Trunk Hill.
- Lakeside city-centre location
- Short walk to Elephant Trunk Hill
- Gardens and karst views
Aroma Lily Hotel Yangshuo
★★★Yangshuo, China · 2 nights
A friendly, well-kept three-star hotel in Yangshuo town, placing the cafés of West Street and the banks of the Li River on your doorstep.
- Steps from West Street
- Karst peak views
- Warm, personal service
Central Hotel Shanghai
★★★★Shanghai, China · 3 nights
A four-star hotel superbly positioned near People's Square and Nanjing Road, with the Bund and Yu Garden both within easy reach.
- Near People's Square and Nanjing Road
- Walkable to the Bund
- Excellent metro connections
Enhance your trip
Business-class flight upgrade
+£from £1,650 per person
Upgrade your return international flights between London and China to business class — flat beds and lounge access in both directions.
Yangtze balcony cabin upgrade
+£from £195 per person
Upgrade your river-view cabin to a private-balcony cabin aboard the Victoria Cruise Line ship — your own outdoor space as the Three Gorges slide past.
Extra nights in Beijing or Shanghai
+£from £85 per person per night
Add pre-tour nights in Beijing to recover from the flight, or extend your stay in Shanghai at the end.
Pricing
Holiday pricing
All prices are per person, based on two people sharing. We arrange departures throughout the year to suit your preferred dates.
Starting from
£2,470
per person · 2 sharing
Travelling solo?
Single supplement: +£725 pp
Full details
What’s included & not included
Included in your price
- Return international flights from London
- 18 nights' hand-picked accommodation, including 3 nights aboard a Victoria Cruise Line ship
- Rail journeys: Beijing → Xi'an · Xi'an → Chengdu · Chengdu → Chongqing · Yichang → Guilin
- Internal flight: Guilin → Shanghai
- Boat journeys: Chongqing → Yichang (Yangtze cruise) · Guilin → Yangshuo (Li River)
- Great Wall at Mutianyu & Forbidden City
- Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City Wall
- Chengdu panda base half-day tour
- Hongyadong Stilt Houses & Jiefangbei Square
- Three Gorges Dam, Shennv Stream drifting & Shibaozhai Pagoda
- Riverside Park leisure walk in Yichang
- Elephant Trunk Hill
- Li River cruise arrival with porter service, Impression Sanjie Liu evening light show & Yulong River rafting
- Shanghai 3-hour local food tasting tour & Yu Garden
- Full board aboard the Yangtze cruise; daily breakfast throughout
- All private transfers between airports, stations, piers and hotels
- Full ATOL 10205 financial protection
Not included
- Travel insurance (required)
- China visa fees
- Lunches and dinners not stated
- Gratuities for guides, drivers and cruise staff
- Personal expenses
Your specialist
Who will plan your holiday
Wei Zhang
Wei was born in Beijing and grew up exploring the hutong lanes of the old city with his grandfather, who spent weekends taking him through the Palace Museum. He studied Chinese history at Capital Normal University, then spent six years as a guide at the Palace Museum, where daily contact with imperial art and artefacts gave him a depth of knowledge few private guides can match. He moved into private touring in 2010 and has worked with Holidays to Asia exclusively since 2015. His English is warm and precise, his patience with questions unlimited, and his ability to make thousands of years of Chinese history feel genuinely personal — rather than overwhelming — is the quality guests mention most in their reviews.
Tailor-made
Like this tour but want it adapted?
Extra nights, alternative hotels, private transfers — our specialists will build your perfect itinerary from scratch.
Before you go
Practical information
Visa requirements
Tourist visa (L visa) required for British citizens. Apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC). Fee approx £155. 4 business days standard processing. Full guidance provided with booking confirmation.
Currency
Chinese Yuan Renminbi (RMB/CNY). £1 ≈ 9 RMB. Credit cards accepted at all hotels. Mobile payments (WeChat Pay) essential for independent spending — Wei helps set this up. Bring some RMB cash.
Tipping
Tipping is not traditional in Chinese culture but is appreciated in the tourism industry. Wei: £20–25/day is appropriate. Hotel staff: 20–30 RMB per service. Drivers: 50–100 RMB per day.
Electricity
220V, 50Hz. Type A (flat two-pin) and Type I (Australian-style) sockets. A universal travel adaptor covers all needs.
Health & vaccinations
No compulsory vaccinations. Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus recommended. Air quality in Beijing can be poor in winter — those with respiratory conditions should check AQI before travel. Tap water not safe to drink throughout China — bottled water provided at all hotels. High-altitude destinations (not on this itinerary) require additional preparation.
Flights
Fly London to Beijing (PEK or PKX) with Air China, British Airways or Virgin Atlantic. Most flights are direct (10.5 hours) or via a Gulf hub. Return from Shanghai (PVG). Open-jaw flights for this itinerary are included and arranged by us.
Local transport
High-speed trains link Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing and Guilin; one included domestic flight from Guilin to Shanghai; Yangtze cruise Chongqing–Yichang and Li River boat Guilin–Yangshuo. All airport, station and pier transfers are private and included.
Travel with like-minded people
Join a Small Group Departure
Prefer to travel with a small group of fellow over-50s rather than as a couple or solo? Our fixed-departure group tours put you alongside eight to twelve like-minded travellers with a dedicated tour manager for the entire journey.
- Maximum 12 travellers — intimate by design
- Dedicated tour manager throughout
- Social dinners and shared discoveries
- Single supplement waived on selected departures
- Like-minded over-50s travellers
- No single friends needed — just arrive and enjoy
Register Your Interest
Tell us your preferred dates and travel companions — we’ll match you with the right departure and send full details.
Our team will respond within 1 working day.
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Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for China?
Yes — British citizens require a visa to visit China. The standard tourist visa (L visa) is obtained from the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre before travel, costs approximately £155 and is valid for 10 years with 30-day stays. This tour is under 30 days, so a single standard tourist visa covers the whole journey. We provide full visa guidance with your booking confirmation.
What is the cruise cabin like?
You stay in a river-view cabin aboard a Victoria Cruise Line ship — the leading American-managed fleet on the Yangtze. All cabins face the river, have private bathrooms and are serviced daily. Meals aboard are included (a mix of Chinese and Western dishes), and a balcony cabin upgrade is available if you would like your own outdoor space.
How demanding is this itinerary?
It is a Moderate-rated tour. The Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors days involve up to 6km of walking with steps; most other days are 2–4km at an easy pace, and the three cruise days are genuinely restful. There are eight hotel changes over 18 nights, so it suits travellers who enjoy the rhythm of a touring holiday rather than a resort stay.
When is the best time to go?
April–May and September–October are ideal across this route: mild in Beijing and Xi'an, comfortable on the river, and clear over the karst peaks of Guilin. Summer is hot and humid, particularly in Chongqing; November is quiet and atmospheric but cooler in the north. We deliberately avoid the Golden Week national holiday in early October, when major sites are overwhelmed.
I am travelling solo — is this tour suitable?
Very much so. As a private escorted tour there is no group to keep pace with, and your guide and drivers are with you throughout. A single supplement of £725 applies, covering sole occupancy of all hotel rooms and your cruise cabin.
How comfortable are the trains?
China's high-speed trains are excellent — smooth, punctual and with spacious seating. Four of the five intercity legs on this tour are by rail, the longest being Yichang to Guilin at around six hours. Luggage assistance is arranged at every station, and on the Li River leg a porter service takes your cases ahead to Yangshuo.
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